Vivre Sa Vie (1962)

In the late 50's through the late 60's a film movement occurred in France. New Wave Cinema deviated from the Classic Hollywood formula in both narrative and techniques during the era. New Wave Film is an important historical period for film making in understanding the progression and change of the medium itself. New Wave Film encompasses stronger political viewpoints as well as break typical cinematic standards of the era, which are, ironically commonplace in today's film landscape. Techniques such as jump cuts, long takes and fragmented shots were considered radical changes to film form and reflective of the authorship of the era. At the forefront of the new, young movement; Jean-Luc Godard.

Vivre Sa Vie stars Anna Karina, Godard's wife at the time, as Nana. The story revolves around her dream to become an actress and her arrival to prostitution, divided between 12 chapters. Nana's struggle to become an actress is a direct consequence of her attempt to live her life. Through Anna, the audience understands that the consequences of our lives are that of our own, for better or for worse. In this case, worse. Possibly one of the most underrated, iconic scenes in all of cinema occurs when Nana begins her prostitution career and a montage of scenes occur of her work, as dialogue is being spoken in the background of her duties as a prostitute. The is one of the first instances of a montage produced on screen and still one of the best.

As I mentioned earlier, Anna at the time was Godard's wife. This is particularly important because the parallels between the character and Anna depict the surrealism in Vivre. The name 'Nana' is an anagram for Anna. As a director, Godard knew how to capture Anna on film, almost through the same eye as he was in love with her with. This provides a crucial service to the film, as Nana solely pushes the film forward. As an audience we can identify with Nana as a character because she is attempting to just live her life. The struggles she encounters are ones many have experienced and this relationship between us, as an audience and Nana is further perceived through the manner Godard directed the film. The film is not setup sequentially but through chapters. Scenes occur and nothing in the film is inferred, we see things as they happen to Nana.

I have seen many of Godard's films and Vivre is one of his best. Many of his films are abstract and could be considered art film. It's also important to note that there are a number of methods to dissect his films, especially Vivre. Vivre changes the passive experience of watching films and almost demands the audience to play an active role. Godard and New Wave Films pushed the boundaries of film making and turned the repetitiveness and formulaic style of films into something fresh and exciting.

Siriusmo - Mosaik (2010)

Siriusmo is a German electronic artist with a sound scape unheard of. His 2010 debut album 'Mosaik' is his first full length album; prior to 'Mosaik' putting out many EP's and remixes. His use of varying and sometimes experimental sounds and undeniably genius melodies is unlike anyone before him and probably after him. Siriusmo's greatness comes from his ability to create beautiful, melancholic tracks as well as foot-stomping, head-banging, dance tunes. And everything in between.

As a fan of Mo's, 'Mosaik' contains an amazing selection of his musical abilities and talent although I do believe his debut album is missing some of his greatest hits. Though his preference in creating a majority of new tracks for his debut is anything but admirable and contend-able. It truly shows his professionalism as an artist, taking in consideration his large fan base and the ease today in the electronic music scene.

'High Together' contains one of the best introductions in electronic music and music in general. It starts off with the dismay of a live audience, only to come barging in with melodic synths and a groovy, disco rhythm bass line, which comes into a break through the middle of the track with some great arpeggiated highs. The track perfectly demonstrates Siriusmo's abilities.

'Sirimande' incorporates many hard analog sounding synths. It has an almost wobble bass, mixed alongside acoustic percussions and distorted synths, all blended together with varying rhythms. Eventually incorporating a classic piano synth and easing it's way into a melodic breakdown. The rhythm changes in this track creates a dual aesthetic of hard and soft.

'Lass Den Vogel' demonstrates Mo's sampling abilities fused alonside with his immense arsenal of electronic and acoustic sounds. Similar sounding to Mr.Oizo's, of Ed Banger Records, style. 'Lass's' drums and collaboration of smalls synth stabs with acoustic drums portray the natural and synthesized perfectly.

It can be difficult to try and analyze electronic artists, no less, one as eclectic and intelligent as Siriusmo. Although one might not enjoy a particular track or his work altogether, any music listener worth his salt can hear the quality and production of Mo's work. A particular attribute of Siriusmo's which sets him apart from all others and which I believe, why I like him so much is his work as a painter. Many of his tracks can almost be interpreted as visual as much as auditory. He is able to perfectly portray his world and thoughts through varying crafts, pouring out of him. A true artist.

The Strokes - Angles (2011)

It's tough being an immediate success. The Strokes weren't only an immediate success but a huge hit. Their first album, 'Is this it?' (2001) is at this point, known in the musical landscape as a 'classic'. What makes their new album a success is much different than other bands considering their circumstances.

It can be easy to fall under pressure or perhaps sell out for an easy buck. The Strokes are not in any sense of the word, musical geniuses (as much as it pains me to say) and at this point, understood not to utilize a reoccurring shtick or rehash used concepts, especially with the monumental success of 'Is this it?'. Fame is not an easy thing, especially in the musical world. The Strokes have proved to the world they are not just a one-hit wonder, struggling to maintain the imposed label as the so-called saviors of 'rock n' roll' ever since their freshman album.

'Angles' is an album that needs to be seen through the lens of context. It is probably the most harshly criticized work of the band. The work is a continuing saga of the bands evolution as the so-called saviors of 'rock n' roll'. After a 5 year hiatus working on solo works, of which I may write a few things up on in future posts, The Strokes' 'Angles' is a clear demonstration of the bands musical inspirations, and all things considered, can be understood as a homage to classic rock.

The work is probably the most diverse of The Strokes discography. Whereas a majority of tracks within their other works contain an underlying theme which almost strings every track together, 'Angles' contains, very different styles, while maintaining The Strokes essence.

'Machu Picchu' contains an almost reggae sounding guitar pattern, mixed with a very conservative bass line and Casablancas 80's sounding vocals. The chorus puts the entire track together with a guitar melody, that strings the reggae verses into a crunchy, rock chorus.

'Under Cover of Darkness' is a definite Strokes track, which cannot be described as none other than new Strokes. Old, yet new. Classic and modern. It demonstrates the new chops the band has garnered over the years while still maintaining their old sound.

'Taken for a Fool' has a very obtuse, melodic guitar riff, which sounds that could have possibly came straight out of CBGB's in the late 70's. The pre-chorus slows things, only to come back with a harder chorus. The solo can be understood as a sexy little synopsis of the entire track. The track sounds like New York City, early punk rock.

'Gratisfaction' literally starts off sounding like a throwback to old classic rock. Casablancas' vocals percolate vintage, classic rock. The track doesn't try to come off as anything other than what it is which is a good, fun time.

As I mentioned earlier, anyone who knows The Strokes, knows they are a band that are attempting to evolve. To say their work isn't good enough, or is mediocre needs to understand that rock music has gone many places and that it is limited but The Strokes are bringing it back with a new twist. It's easy for a band to throw what they have away for fame, or money but anyone listening to their stuff knows that their passion for music isn't something to scoff at. Especially in this day in age, which comes to no surprise why The Strokes are still a successful rock and roll group.

Metropolis (1927)

My first post will compromise of critique of a silent, science-fiction, German expressionist film Metropolis. Directed by Fritz Lang, (whom I haven't seen many works by yet) and written by his wife Thea Von Harbou. The film is set in the year 2000, in a time of a dystopia, and explores the conflict of the wealthy, living grand lifestyles and the workers who live underground - continuously working, running the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy. The film is well-known for it's notorious price in creating the film, around 5 million Reichsmark. The most expensive silent film ever made.


Metropolis is a a great film for movie lovers and a must see for film enthusiasts. Science-fiction films particularly, are truly indebted to this film. When watching the film, one must constantly perceive it in it's context. Even by today's standards, the film is exceptional in it's story, directing, cinematography and score.


Joh Fredersen manages the city of Metropolis, keeping workers underground, running the city. Content with his luxuries and his wealth, until one day his son, Freder, witnesses a beautiful woman from the underground and follows her. There, he witnesses what goes on in The Underground and with help decides to liberate his brothers underground. The story encapsulates an important theme of social capitalism, among others, emphasizing it's relativity to Germany, the story for its time is appropriate and one that still holds up particularly well today. Besides capitalism, the film brings up many questions of religion and technology.


As a film that is known as the most expensive film ever made, it does not disappoint. Even watching it today will leave some astounded with its special effects. The film mixes both a style and a genre that, in itself is almost too genius and one that is not likely to be seen today. During the silent era of film making, Lang was in contrast to Western film utilizing an Expressionist style alongside a science-fiction genre. Lang utilized the expressionist style well alongside the futuristic setting, such as the architecture, the distorted angles of buildings and camera movements that, today are casual but at the time innovative. The score is a classic example of how crucial music can be to a scene, breaking or making the scene. The score in itself and the use of in Metropolis are still mimicked today and the sound in film can be traced all the way back to this film.


Metropolis is a very old film but an important one. The story can be understood as mediocre and somewhat rehashed, but taking in considering of it's era the film is simply, astounding. Besides it's time of release, the film incorporates many different subjects and can be scrutinized from many different angles, taken apart and still able to have long in-depth analysis. Metropolis is an important film that any film enthusiasts or movie lovers that want to get caught up in the art form must see.